sigmoidoscopy, diagnostic medical procedure that uses a flexible fibre-optic endoscope to examine the rectum and the terminal section of the large intestine, known as the sigmoid colon. Fifty percent of all lesions in the lower intestines occur specifically in the rectum and sigmoid colon; they can be detected and removed by using a flexible 60-cm endoscope called a sigmoidoscope. This instrument consists of a bundle of optical fibres that carry the visual image; it can be bent at the tip in four directions by means of controls at the base so that it can be maneuvered through the contorted sigmoid colon. The scope also contains a light source at the tip for illuminating the bowel, as well as separate passageways for instilling air and water, for suctioning fluid, and for inserting such instruments as biopsy forceps and snares. This scope has a smaller diameter than do rigid scopes and causes the patient less discomfort because of its flexibility. The operator can see the organ directly through a magnifying eyepiece or indirectly by a video monitor. The latter allows videotaping of suspicious lesions. Both rigid and flexible scopes can be fitted with a still camera.
The flexible fibre-optic sigmoidoscope comes in lengths of 35 and 60 cm. When fully inserted, the 60-cm scope can reach to the mid-descending colon and is the more frequently used scope. The colonoscope is a similar flexible fibre-optic scope that is longer and can reach the cecum, thus allowing evaluation of the entire colon. Its use requires that the patient be sedated because its passage through the entire colon is more uncomfortable. A rigid 25-cm sigmoidoscope is less expensive and allows direct visualization of the bowel, but it is less popular because of the greater discomfort its rigidity causes. The proctoscope and anoscope, shorter rigid instruments used to visualize the lower rectum and anus, are used to diagnose and treat hemorrhoids and other lesions in the anorectal area.
Sigmoidoscopy is important in the early detection of colorectal cancer. This disease is preventable if adenomatous polyps, protruding growths from the mucosal surface that can progress to cancer, are identified and removed. Although most adenomatous polyps are not cancerous, this possibility can be discounted only by histologic examination, which requires their removal. The incidence of colorectal cancer increases sharply after age 50. Asymptomatic individuals should have a sigmoidoscopy at age 50 and, if the result is negative, the test should be repeated every three to five years. Symptomatic persons and those with a family history of colorectal cancer should start regular examinations at age 40 or younger.